The evocative lyrics, the lush harmonies, the shredding guitars; there’s nothing quite like the music of yesteryear. If you’re sick and tired of all of the over-hyped, over-synthesized and over-played songs hitting the airwaves today, check out these best cover bands in the D.C. area, along with some top picks from 2012.
Bandhouse Gigs
www.bandhousegigs.com
Founded by local Bethesda musicians, the Bandhouse Gigs band is known for its one-of-a-kind tribute concerts of a variety of artists including Stevie Wonder, The Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart, Bob Dylan and Neil Young. The band’s next concert tribute will feature songs made popular by George Harrison and The Beatles including “Here Comes the Sun” and “All Things Must Pass.” The concert will be held on April 6 at The Hamilton, a restaurant known for its contemporary dining experience which also features a uniquely designed, state-of-the-art live performance venue and bar.
The English Channel
American Classic Entertainment
(804) 784-0508
www.thenglishchannel.com
Relive the British Invasion with the help of The English Channel, a cover band that recreates popular British pop hits of the 1960s and 1970s with notable energy and enthusiasm. Jam to the sounds of shredding guitars, lush harmonies and vibrant vocals. Each song is performed just as it sounds on the record so there are no surprises. Songs you may hear while at a show include “All You Need is Love,” “Do Wah Diddy,” “You Only Live Twice” and “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.” See The English Channel perform at the Tally Ho Theater on April 25. The Tally Ho has a 2,000-square-foot dance floor, cocktail bars, seated areas and a full-service, award-winning Moroccan restaurant.
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Beggars Tomb
(703) 395-6701
www.beggarstombband.com
Get ready to rock with the help of Beggars Tomb, a popular Grateful Dead cover band that plays accurate renditions of the band’s greatest hits with heart and gusto. Inspired by a lyric in the song “Uncle John’s Band,” Beggars Tomb performs many Grateful Dead hits including “Friend of the Devil,” “Ramble on Rose,” “Truckin'” and “Deal.” The band can be seen at the New Deal Cafe, located in the historic Roosevelt Center. Enjoy Middle Eastern-inspired menu items such as hummus, falafel, tabouleh, chicken kabobs and kibbeh. Desserts and a children’s menu is also available.
Dr. FU
(703) 298-2090
www.drfu.com
Bang your head to all of the hottest rock hits of the 80s with the help of Dr. FU. This dynamic rock cover band features members who have shared the stage with some of music’s greatest including Third Eye Blind, Pat Benatar, Naughty by Nature and the Sugar Hill Gang. Songs currently on the band’s repertoire include “Rebel Yell,” “Paradise City,” “Sweet Child o’ Mine” and “I Wanna Be Sedated.” The band will be playing Celebrate Fairfax in June, which is Northern Virginia’s largest family-friendly three-day festival that features carnival rides, interactive activities, exhibitors, crafters, live performances, games, food and nightly fireworks.
The Reagan Years
(301) 717-7653
www.thereaganyears.com
Take a walk down memory lane without the embarrassing leg warmers, shoulder pads and huge hair. Known as the premier 80s tribute band, The Reagan Years plays all of the greatest hits from the popular era including “Jessie’s Girl,” “Livin’ on a Prayer” and “Hungry Like the Wolf.” The band has performed in many top gigs including the 2011 Ronald Reagan centennial birthday celebration at the Ronald Reagan Building. See the group live in action at Champion Billiards Sports Cafe, a full-service restaurant and bar that features daily food and drink specials as well as competitive events including trivia nights, poker and pool.
Susan Diranian is a freelance writer living in Ashburn, VA. She is covering Travel & Outdoors. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
